Former Emmerdale star could stand in Batley and Spen by-election

Actress Tracy Brabin has revealed that she is thinking about standing in the Batley and Spen by-election.

The Sun newspaper has published claims that the Batley-born former Coronation Street and Emmerdale actress, who was a friend of late MP Jo Cox, will stand for the seat.

According to its report, which was published online today, sources have said the 55-year-old would be the “perfect replacement”.

Ms Brabin campaigned alongside Mrs Cox to save Batley Library from closure when the Labour politician was a parliamentary candidate.

The Sun’s report says that Ms Brabin has the backing of the local Labour party.

But the Daily Mail previously published an article which claimed that former Labour MP David Miliband has been urged to stand for the seat as a way to mount a leadership campaign against Jeremy Corbyn.

No date has yet been set for the by-election but it is understood that it will not take place until October at the earliest.